If you have crooked teeth but you don't like the idea of wearing regular braces, there may be another alternative. Ask your dentist whether or not you are going to be a good candidate for clear aligners if you think they are a treatment option you would be interested in. Read this article to learn more about these aligners and how they work.

What are clear aligners?

Clear aligners are clear appliances that are designed to fit your mouth. When they are made, they are done so in a way that makes the fit over your teeth while applying a certain amount of pressure to the teeth that need to shift.

The clear aligners are considered by some people to be a lot easier to deal with than regular braces. One reason for this is due to the fact that they can be taken out of your mouth. You will take them out to clean them and care for your teeth. You will also take them out at night to go to sleep. Even though you'll want to keep them in the rest of the time, these little breaks can be refreshing and make them a more tolerable treatment option.

How are the aligners made?

When you go in to see your dentist about aligners, they will take an impression of your mouth. This is done by putting a tray in your mouth that has molding material in it. You will gently bite down so the mold will record the exact shape of your teeth and gums. The dentist will also take pictures and x-rays of your teeth. This information will be used to come up with a computer generated model of your mouth that will be used to create the aligners.  

What is the treatment process like?

When you get the clear aligners, you will find them to be a bit uncomfortable. However, it should only take you a few days to get used to having them in. You want to stay away from sticky foods like taffy and gum while you have the aligners in. You will need to go in to trade your current aligners in for another pair. How often you come in will depend on how your teeth are reacting to the aligners and your dentist's schedule.

Once you complete the treatment with clear aligners, you should have a smile you are proud of. These aligners will help straighten your teeth and get them looking the way you have always wanted them to look.

To learn more, contact a dental office like Van De Walle Tom DDS.